Tarita BOTTENFIELD
Frederick,MD
Summary
With over a 16 years of expertise in mechanical and structural analysis, I spearheaded teams at Northrop Grumman and NASA, mastering contamination control and analytical analysis. Additionally, my experience in environmental testing for spacecraft vibration, centrifuge, and acoustic procedures have added to my expertise in all manufacturing testing fields. Combining my extensive testing background with my experience as a former production assembler for spacecraft components creates a full QA perspective and appreciation for designs and quality as a whole. Renowned for enhancing team efficiency and implementing innovative testing methodologies, my leadership and technical skills have significantly contributed to advancing aerospace engineering standards. My knowledge of ASTM specifications and NASA standards for testing methods and mechanical production ensures a seamless understanding and project success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Engineer Test Conductor
Peraton/ NASA Goddard
07.2023 - Current
- Acting control commander for Centrifuge testing
- Helps implement scheduling and 5S tracking for team members to adhere by
- Modal testing using force hammer
- Supports Vibration and Acoustic testing using M+P software
- Instrumentation of accelerometers and cables to data racks
- Soldering of strain gauges used for Centrifuge testing
- Creates documentation for training procedures
- Operates MTS using Testworks software for tensile and compression testing
- Instrumented test items using scales, calipers, torque wrenches
Test Lab Supervisor
Northrop Grumman
01.2018 - 07.2023
- Effectively communicated as Test Lab Team Leader to other work centers from manufacturing, engineering, and program management.
- Planned weekly team schedules and priorities dependent on program needs to help ensure on time deliveries using lean manufacturing principles
- Substantial knowledge of aerospace composites, bonding adhesives both film and paste, and chemical solvents
- Composed weekly titrations for spacecraft chemical conversion coatings
- Worked with final sub assemblies with tight tolerances
- Vacuum bagging
- Worked closely with production control
- Trained test technicians and operators on test hardware and software.
- Attended daily team meetings
- Created staff schedules and assigned crews to testing and mechanical assembling based on individual skills
- Well experienced using MTS and Instron structural testing machines to collect data during tension, compression, and 3-point bend tests using different load cells
- Conversant using BlueHill and Testworks software
- Authored and maintained well-organized, efficient and successful investigative test cases for entire team with a QA perspective
- Well versed in analytical chemistry using equipment such as Gas Chromatography as well as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and GCMS
- Supported contamination control programs by adhering to spacecraft cleanliness levels and method processing requirements
- Certified different classes of cleanrooms through particulate analysis
- Analyzed both gas and liquid phases of ammonia as well as helium leak checks for heat pipes in spacecraft panels
- Measured optical and thermal properties to ensure spacecraft requirements for solar absorptance, reflectance, and transmittance of materials
- Submitted monthly job hazard analysis
- Analyzed aerospace materials and spacecraft panels to determine strength and stability
- Executed the testing processes by accurately interpreting set-up sheets, work orders, drawings, or blueprints
- Communicated to outside vendors for reasons of equipment calibration or general parts maintenance
- MES experienced
- Designed and coordinated research plans and testing protocols for operations.
Bioelectrical Fabricator and Test Tech
Microprobes For Life Sciences
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Fabricated implantable neural microelectrodes, multi-channel arrays, and related systems for all types of electrophysiology studies both in vivo and in vitro, chronic and acute
- Impedance testing
- Soldered custom length of each microelectrode of array, down to 25 micron in diameter
- Attended training to gain knowledge of program needs for test failure diagnosis and repair
Electrical Mechanical and Composite Tech
MicroUAV
04.2009 - 01.2018
- Investigated electrical malfunctions with multimeter and calibration test instruments to determine problems and apply solutions
- Assembled lightweight Infra-Red and Electro-optical gimbaled camera motor assemblies for use in Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Primarily RQ-16 Honeywell T-Hawk)
- Troubleshot and repair of camera units which have received damage in the field
- Tested configuration of electronic systems for company-built UAV’s
- Designed and constructed jigs and special tools to help facilitate assembly production and fabrication of unmanned air vehicles
- Fabricated precision prototype parts that meet the company’s requirements for complex assemblies
- Met with customers to ensure design specifications were met
- Composite specialist for all hands-on assembly builds from start to finish
- Substantial knowledge and experience working with chemical solvents
- Inspected machine parts for conformance to product specifications
- Quality control under magnifications on assembly line
- Operated wide variety of equipment including hand and power tools, sanders, grinders, drill press, fordham drill shaft, arbor press, ban saw, precision measuring instruments, template fixtures, electronic testing devices, buffing wheels, Dremel’s, rivet shavers, ect
- Designed and written instructions for system of process for production procedures
Education
Spectroscopy
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Madison, WI2019
Certificate - Gas Chromatography
Shimadzu
Columbia, MD2018
Skills
- Mechanical and Structural Analysis - 10 years
- Vibration testing
- Instrumentation setup
- Contamination Control Best Practices and Standards - 8 years
- Analytical Analysis - 8 years
- Team Leadership - 8 years
Certification
- RST SSDIF
- NASA ESD
- NASA Cleanroom
- FAll protection
- LDE Self propelled
Timeline
Senior Engineer Test Conductor
Peraton/ NASA Goddard
07.2023 - Current
Test Lab Supervisor
Northrop Grumman
01.2018 - 07.2023
Bioelectrical Fabricator and Test Tech
Microprobes For Life Sciences
01.2018 - 07.2018
Electrical Mechanical and Composite Tech
MicroUAV
04.2009 - 01.2018
Spectroscopy
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Certificate - Gas Chromatography
Shimadzu